Robert Burns's poem “Auld Lang Syne” supplied the lyrics most closely associated with New Year's Eve song traditions.
Burns wrote down and adapted the Scots verses in 1788, although parts of the wording and the underlying idea existed in earlier songs. The phrase “auld lang syne” means “old long since” and evokes memories of former days. Its subject is friendship remembered over time, rather than New Year's Eve specifically.
The song became tied to New Year through social singing traditions, Scottish communities, printed songbooks, and later recordings and broadcasts. Its widespread melody helped carry it far beyond Scotland. In English-speaking countries, people commonly sing it after a countdown or at the first moments of the new year.
Burns wrote many famous works, including “To a Mouse,” “Tam o' Shanter,” and “A Red, Red Rose.” Those poems are sometimes confused with the New Year's song because they are also prominent Burns titles. The familiar New Year's lyrics are associated with “Auld Lang Syne,” though arrangements and verses differ internationally.